Dalquharran Castle was first used to describe a 15th century tower north of the Water of Girvan almost opposite the village of Dailly in Ayrshire.

It was later extended to the mansion of Dalquharran New Castle. Today the ruins of the old castle are reachable via public footpaths along the riverside from the village.

It was once surrounded by a wet moat with gun loops in the castle walls, but further inspection reveals more fortified mansion that impregnable castle. However, a lovely ruin to explore from which you can see the new Dalquharran Castle perched on the ridge above from its grounds.

~ History ~

1324 ~ The lands of Dolquharren of Crossraguel Abbey are confirmed by Edward the Bruce, brother to King Robert.

1470's ~ The Abbot, as a member of the influential Kennedy family, sees the title of Laird of Dalquharran introduced for the first time on a close relative.

1679 ~ The castle is modernised into a stately mansion with new wings and gardens added.

1694 ~ The Dalquharran lands are purchased from the creditors of John Kennedy by Thomas Kennedy.

1790 ~ The castle is abandoned when its last owner, Kennedy of Dunure, moves to a newly built mansion at New Dalquharran Castle in the then fashionable classical style.